Translation guide
A room for changing clothes, typically in stores, gyms, pools, or workplaces. Japanese distinguishes between trying on clothes in a shop and changing for sports or work.
A small room or booth where customers try on clothes before buying.
Standard term for a fitting room in a shop. Literally 'try-on room'.
The changing rooms are over there.
May I try on this jacket in the changing room?
Loanword from English 'fitting room'. Common in fashion retail, especially in department stores.
The fitting rooms are on the second floor.
A locker room where people change clothes for exercise or swimming, often with lockers and showers.
A room where staff or students change into uniforms or work clothes.
Same word as for gyms, but context makes it clear. Often used in factories, hospitals, or schools.
I change into my work clothes in the factory changing room.
A room for undressing before entering the bath, and dressing afterward.
試着室 is only for trying on clothes in a store. 更衣室 is for changing clothes in gyms, pools, workplaces, or schools. 脱衣所 is specifically for undressing before bathing. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
If you ask 'Where is the changing room?' using 更衣室 in a department store, the staff might be surprised.
In a clothing store, you can simply say 試着してもいいですか (May I try this on?) and the staff will direct you to the fitting room. You don't always need to name the room.
I'll change in the locker room and then start my workout.
I'll leave my stuff in the locker room.
こちらの更衣室をご利用ください。
Please use this changing room.